Implants are the ideal solution for replacing missing teeth or teeth needing extraction. The procedure involves a titanium root to be placed within the bones and allowed to integrate naturally for around 4-6 months. The crowns are then fixed to this artificial root. During the healing phase, a temporary denture is used to restore your smile.
Implants can be regarded as a kind of small surgery operations, usually they are performed under local anesthetic ( just to numb the jaws). However in some cases (eg missing bones), a general anesthetic is needed to restore them using a soft bone.
The success rate for implants is extremely good ( can be as high as 95%! ). Very few people experience anything other than mild discomfort right after the operation.